Ralph D. Cannon Jr.

1942 - 2011

GALESBURG - Ralph D. Cannon Jr., 69, of Galesburg died at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, at home.
He was born Jan. 21, 1942, in Galesburg to Ralph D. and Margaret Hillard Cannon Sr. He married Linda J. Pennington and later married Myrna M. Beamer. 
He is survived by a son, Rick Cannon of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Sue (and Dave) Calderone and Mary Cannon (and Kevin McElmurry), both of Galesburg; a brother, Robert Cannon of Galesburg; four sisters, Lynda (and Chuck) Eaves and Bonnie Axcell, both of Galesburg, Connie (and Don) Dawson of Morton and Debbie Cannon of Peoria; and two grandchildren, Kelsey J. Cannon and Taylor C. Davis. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews and Lisa Cannon. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Megan M. Daniels in 1989. 
Ralph was a police officer for the city of Galesburg for 25 years, retiring in 1992. He implemented the Canine Unit for the Galesburg Police Department and loved Bandit, his dog partner. He has lived in Galesburg his entire life and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1960. He was inducted into the Galesburg Silver Streaks Hall of Fame. He was a member of the former Moose Lodge 880. Ralph was a diehard Cubs fan.
Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, in Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. James Ecklund will officiate. A celebration of life visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the family to establish an educational fund for his grandchildren. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.